IWC Aquatimer Vintage vs. Longines Diver?

[jamesh]

Hi there

And now a question for any of you IWC experts out there...

In the past few weeks I have been increasingly interested in the Vintage series recently released by IWC, and particularly the Aquatimer Vintage.

Then I noticed that Longines also produce a retro style watch called "Legend Diver" which looks very similar to the IWC Aquatimer. Looking at the two watches, there is too much similarity for it to be a coincidence so I can only conclude one was the inspiration for the other (shown here):



The IWC website states the original Aquatimer was released in 1967 and Longines state that their diver was originally released in 1953. But this seems like too much of a time gap...

So....my question is - which watch co. (IWC or Longines) first came up with this design (ie: the look and the functionality of the two crowns and internal bezel)?

Any thoughts, much appreciated!

[Thomas Carey]

I am bettin Longines was first. Say what is the price difference on these and which is cheaper?

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

[BigHat]

You talking PLT? IWC is $7,300 in SS, $38K in PLT.

The Longines is a "Sports Legend" I think. I've seen them for $1,400 but think the retail is $2K.

[Jedi]

Just to add to the confusion both Jaeger Le-Coultre and Vulcain came out with the Polaris / Nautical Cricket around about the same time, and these watches all look remarkably similar. Here's a pic of the Polaris, re-issued now in a limited edition of 768 in SS and around 90 in PT. But can anyone guess what sets the Polaris apart from the other internally rotating bezel dive watches??

[jamesh]

Thanks for the feedback guys - gives me a bit more to go on.

The ones I was looking at were the SS version and I think Matt is about right on the pricing. So, it sounds like there were quite a few divers of similar design released around that time.

Will do a bit more research before taking the plunge...

[TheDude]

I had a Longines bought and paid for until Tourneau couldn't find the correct box. It's a nice watch, but I don't like the long lugs on the Longines.

They aren't super easy to find.


You might also go for a modern interpretation - Ocean 7 is a US company that is making some really nice watches. Also, if you're a strap junky - the Ocean 7 watches are 24mm lug. That means all the neat Panerai aftermarket straps can be used with them.

[Terry Newton]

Originally Posted by Jedi

Just to add to the confusion both Jaeger Le-Coultre and Vulcain came out with the Polaris / Nautical Cricket around about the same time, and these watches all look remarkably similar. Here's a pic of the Polaris, re-issued now in a limited edition of 768 in SS and around 90 in PT. But can anyone guess what sets the Polaris apart from the other internally rotating bezel dive watches??

Lee:

I'm guessing it is the alarm feature on the Le-Coultre Polaris? It is such a stunning watch. Also has an acrylic crystal vs. a crystal on the other watches.

I like the Polaris best of all but, price being a consideration, I would pick the IWC as the Le-Coultre is horrendously expensive.

Terry Newton

[Jedi]

Terry, I'm going to a JLC cocktail tonight. Hopefully the Polaris will be on display there! I'm just flabbergasted as to when actual delivery might be!

[time]

Choose between those two?? I say IWCIWCIWCIWCIWC....